OCEAN COUNTY – Even before the first frost blanketed Ocean County days ago, officials had already taken steps to ensure the well-being of the county’s unhoused population during frigid temperatures. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners recently passed a comprehensive Code Blue plan for the 2024-2025 season, which includes approval of multiple warming centers throughout the county.
A significant addition to this year’s plan is the inclusion of a county-owned facility at 1959 Route 9 in Toms River, commonly known as the “Pic Building” at the Ocean County Career Center. This facility will provide a number of beds for adults experiencing homelessness when temperatures drop below freezing between November 1 and March 31.
“Our focus of all the discussions involved in creating the Code Blue Plan was assuring that we will have enough beds to take care of Ocean County’s homeless during this winter’s Code Blue season,” said Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea. “As part of this approved plan, there are five sites included that will host a total of 165 beds.”
Ocean County has partnered with Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) to manage its Code Blue warming center in the government-owned building. CSPNJ brings experience in providing services to the homeless population, including their operation of the Hudson County Warming Center in Kearny. Their role in Ocean County’s Code Blue program includes offering essential services such as food, clothing, transportation, case management, and referrals for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Families will receive assistance during Code Blue through motel placements as part of the plan,” shared Donna Flynn, Ocean County Public Information Director. “The county facility is scheduled to allocate space to families after the new year.”
Apart from service animals, pets are not accepted at the county Code Blue sites.
Flynn said the county is also aware of two agencies working to achieve site control and satisfy all requirements to be considered family warming centers. The county’s approval of warming centers requires an amendment to its Code Blue plan. The next amendment is expected in December.
“For a site to be considered for the County Code Blue plan, they must first meet all the criteria set forth in the plan, which includes evidence of site control, training, and agreement to the terms of the plan (code of conduct, etc.),” Flynn explained. “From there the site will be assessed by our Logistics Coordinator for consideration and possible inclusion in the plan if our code blue budget allows.”
In addition to the county-owned facility operated by CSPNJ, the county has approved four other locations. True Vine Community Services will operate two warming centers: one on Route 9 in Bayville and another on Chestnut Street in Toms River. St. John’s AME Zion Church, Warm Hearts, and Greater Bethel Church will also offer Code Blue shelter on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Lakewood.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with the Department of Human Services and the Office of Emergency Management, has dedicated nearly $400,000 to support the county’s Code Blue program this season. This budget includes $225,000 from the county commissioners, $130,000 from the New Jersey Division of Family Development, and $35,815 from Ocean County’s Homelessness Trust Fund.
“I am appreciative of the support of this Board and the hard work of everyone who has had a significant role in bringing us here today,” Crea said. “I want to thank Tracy Maksel, Director of Human Services, and her staff for their diligence and eye for detail in developing this Code Blue plan.”
Crea also expressed the Board’s gratitude to the Ending Homelessness Group for their dedicated efforts as the county’s Code Blue Logistics Coordinator over the past several years.
In a separate development, South Toms River authorities have partnered with Just Believe to open a family-friendly Code Blue warming center at the Recreation Center on 1 Drake Lane. The South Toms River Recreation Commission has assured residents that the Code Blue shelter agreement has been designed to minimize disruption to regular activities at the Recreation Center and the surrounding community.
Homelessness By The Numbers
Recent data highlights the urgency of efforts to provide Code Blue warming centers. To better understand the scope of homelessness in New Jersey, the state conducts an annual survey called the NJCounts Point-in-Time (PIT) count each January. Led by Monarch Housing Associates, the count provides a snapshot of the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night.
However, experts have said the PIT survey likely undercounts New Jersey’s homeless population, as it captures only those who meet the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness. This definition excludes people who may be at risk of becoming homeless, precariously housed, or considered homeless under other federal laws.
This report did not count individuals doubled up with other households, living in overcrowded or illegal housing units, being discharged from facilities without a residence, facing eviction, or staying in motels at their own expense. Those who park and sleep in their cars overnight are not generally considered in the PIT counts unless they have sought services.
According to the latest Point-in-Time (PIT) survey, which took place on January 23, 2024, there were 556 people experiencing homelessness in Ocean County. This marked a 28 percent increase in homelessness over the previous year. This latest PIT report shows Toms River as having the highest number of homeless individuals in Ocean County, with 169 people, accounting for nearly 48 percent of the county’s homeless population.
Underreporting of homelessness in Ocean County appeared to be particularly evident in areas like Barnegat, Lacey, and Waretown, where only four people were counted. Anecdotal reports suggest the incidence of homelessness is higher than documented in those communities.
While the numbers tell their own story, Crea stressed the partnerships that came together to make the Code Blue plan a reality. She said that while the state regulates the program, the Board of Commissioners, the Human Services Department, and the Office of Emergency Management benefited from collaborating with a host of dedicated providers and volunteers with the same goal.
“Working together is how we make a difference for our residents,” Crea said. “This program provides more than just warming centers. It provides help and hope to our most vulnerable residents.”
